It marks a key moment in Rooney's career, with the striker also expected to be named England's captain before the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign begins.

And Neville admits his ex-team-mate has all the credentials to be a success and take his career to the next level with the armband at Old Trafford.

He told the Telegraph: "Rooney is one of a dying breed of footballers who is willing to call his team-mates out. He can take criticism but also hand it out.

"His approach is the traditional one of not taking criticism personally - and expecting team-mates not to take it personally either.

"When I think back to his early days at United I remember his personality and cheekiness. Rooney was the only player who would dare pull up a seat at the coaches' table in the canteen and ask Sir Alex Ferguson: "Am I playing tomorrow, boss?"